The Greatest Estate Designer

Chapter 13: Asrahan Core Technique (2)

The Asrahan Core Technique. I want you to teach me that. Will you continue to try to run away even after all this?

.

Javier hesitated. His eyes were wide open without him realizing it. It was inevitable, because the Young Masterthe one he escortedhad said such words that shouldve never come out of his mouth.

You also know about my mana technique? Lloyd-nim knows?

He couldnt understand. Just like the case with his insomnia, this technique is also one of his own secrets. Obviously, he never told anyone. Never even made it obvious. No, it was only a month ago when he named that technique Asrahan Technique!

That technique hasnt even been completed yet. How do you know about that?

Did this ruffian Young Master use a mind-reading skill?

He looked at Lloyd as if he was facing a mysterious being. Lloyd snorted.

What? Why? What?

.

Why are you staring at me with your eyes wide open?

Thats natural

Natural?

How did you know about that?

Lloyd was a human being who easily uncovered his secrets time after time.

The only thing he would get if he tries to back out is mockery. Knowing that, Javier wouldnt even bother to back out anymore now. Instead, he wanted to know the answer.

The reply was quite simple.

You said everything in your sleep.

Pardon?

Really. You passed out and told me everything on your own.

Is that the truth?

Uh-huh.

<Lloyds POV>

Lloyd grinned.

Is that the truth? Of course not. Javier has no such thing as sleep talking. Even when he sleeps, his appearance looks like an elegant painting.

Lloyd consciously wet his lips.

If you dont believe me, should I prove it?

Prove it?

For example, like this.

I recited the Asrahan Core Techniques theory, which was described in detail in the [Iron-Blooded Knight] novel, as I recalled it.

Theres a limit to ones mana heart. The limit is biological, which is already set from birth. So, the amount of mana you can muster at once will be limited.

It has the same principle as a computers RAM or a bucket. Theres a clear limit on the amount of data that could be carried at once with an 8GB RAM, or the amount of water that could be transported with a one-liter bucket. The same is applied to the amount of mana that could move into the heart. The hearts capacity is the limitation.

As long as were human, we cant break through these limitations.

Nobody is an exception. No matter how powerful the technique is; no matter how high a knights level is; no matter what it takes. The reason is simple. Because were born as human beings. The human body, to be exact, cant go beyond the hearts biological capacity. Therefore, a dragon with a dragon heart is a cheat.

Thats

Sshh. Listen more. So, you then thought. What if you gather mana from outside, not inside of the body? What if you combine the mana youve absorbed with the manaheart? Then, wouldnt it be possible to temporarily emit and handle mana beyond biological limitations?

Lloyd grinned. Javiers expression still looked calm and chic. But, Lloyd didnt miss the faint tremble of his pupils.

Since then, youve been secretly researching the new mana technique. Not too long ago, you gave it a name. Its called Asrahan Core Technique. Was that about a month ago? Is that right?

.Thats right.

Why did you meekly admit it now?

Because youre not wrong enough that I couldnt even think of how to step out of this.

Right? Then, lets go back to the story. This was what I actually wanted to say. You left that core technique out, huh? Were you trying to teach me the common old technique which dogs and cows all learn to cleanse their mouth? Are you a kindergarten swordsmanship teacher? Did you try to sell me red bean bread without red bean paste?

But, Lloyd-nim.

I understand. Its the technique youre researching and you dont just teach somebody. By the way, am I just a somebody to you?

Yes.

Whoa.

Technically, Lloyd is just the one I escorted. Besides

Besides?

Even if I want to teach Lloyd-nim my core technique right now, thats not possible.

Why is that?

Because it is still incomplete. Javiers voice became as firm as his sword. As you said, thats indeed the concept of my technique. The key is to absorb external mana and use it as your own. However, its also a way in which no one has succeeded yet. Even I havent succeeded yet, Ive only made the theory.

Therefore?

Its dangerous. Especially for a beginner like Lloyd-nim, who doesnt even know the basics of mana.

Is that soo?

Yes.

Right now, are you worried about me?

Of course not.

Tsk. Youre a danhobak¹(danhobak): is a Korean slang used to refer to someone who usually refuses instantly without considering it for a second..

Thank you.

Anyway, since the technique is still incomplete, its dangerous. Therefore, you cant tell me?

Thats correct.

Then, what if its not dangerous?

. Pardon?

Javiers eyebrows twitched slightly. Lloyd laughed.

Im sure youre nervous about what this one is going to say.

Let me take a look and Ill point out why your technique is incomplete and where it is stuck.

What are you talking about

You absorb mana from the outside, move it to the manaheart, and fuse it with your manaheart. But you couldnt do that. You always got stuck there. When trying to combine them, they would refuse to merge and then they collide. Hence, youve failed every time, right?

Javiers eyes shook.

How do you know that?

How do I know? I told you. I heard you talking in your sleep.

.

Hearing him sleep talking about these is a lie.

Javier shut his mouth before this invincible cheat-key-like excuse. Lloyds smile deepened.

You wont know what to say. You didnt know what your own sleeping habits were like because you slept so soundly.

Suddenly, I was reminded of a story in the [Iron-Blooded Knight] novel. Javier of this period actually failed to complete this technique because of the mana collision. He had tried various things, yet he failed every time.

And then, he finally changed his initial idea and completed the technique 5 years later.

Later, Javier further sharpened his technique. Finally, he became the first Grand Master in the history of the Loracian Continent.

While recalling Javiers change of ideas that he would achieve 5 years in the future, Lloyd then said.

It seemed to me that the attempt to mix external mana with your own mana itself is the error, no, I think its the mistake?

Pardon?

Javiers eyebrows twitched and moved.

What do you mean by that?

Literally. Why do you have to combine external mana with the manaheart? Manahearts capacity limit is the one causing the heart strain. Besides, is there any specific reason which makes you have to combine the external mana with your own mana? Well, isnt that a stereotype tied to directions on how to use the mana heart?

That means

You can make it spin around outside. Outside the manaheart.

.

Javiers eyes slowly grew wide in astonishment.

Im sure hes already figured it out.

Lloyd picked up a twig that was laying around on the corner of the training ground. With it, he scribbled on the soil to draw a picture.

How about when we absorb the external mana, we then make it spin around like this? Around and outside the manaheart.

Do you want me to make ring-shaped circles and wrap them around my heart?

Thats correct. Circle, thats a good name.

Then, the mana I originally had

You dont have to mix it. It will be operated separately. Your mana is inside the manaheart. The foreign mana absorbed from outside is spun into a circle outside the manaheart. What do you think?

.

Im just saying whatever comes to mind. You know Im a beginner at using mana. Maybe thats why Im not obsessed with existing stereotypes.

..

If you have a doubt, try it yourself.

I understand.

Javier nodded straight away. He seemed to have gotten the hang of it.

From then on, Lloyd firmly shut his mouth. He quietly took a few steps aside. Watching Javier trying out the new technique.

How long has it been?

At last, Javier opened his eyes. He looked back at me with meaningful eyes.

Thank you.

Ding dong.

[Javier Asrahans favorability towards you has increased by +5!]

[Your current relationship with Javier Asrahan: -22]

[A visible improvement in your relationship with a key character earned you 90 RP]

[Current RP: 187]

[Your level of closeness with Javier Asrahan has been raised from <Disgust> to <Annoyance>.]

[5 additional RP has been earned as a bonus for raising the closeness level.]

[Current RP: 192]

You made it.

Javiers gratitude; a slightly different expression in his eyes; and the string of favorability messages that popped into my mind. All of these made Lloyd completely certain that Javier had finally completed the Asrahan Core Technique.

Did it go well?

Yes, Lloyd-nim.

Does the circle work well?

Yes. It seems inefficient to use just one to handle mana, so I made several.

How many?

Three.

Whoa.

Three circles straight away on his first success. As expected of Javier, hes a hot-blooded fellow.

So, hes almost at the edge to reach the level of a Sword Master.

At this moment, Javiers level is still at High-Level Sword Expert. Still, the gap to become a Sword Master is quite large.

Anyway, since he succeeded in creating the triple circle outside his manaheart, itll be enough to put a front if we are to fight face-to-face seriously against a smart Sword Master. If luck is on our side, we might even be able to aim for a draw.

To give extra power beyond the present level. That is the strength of Asrahan Core Technique.

This technique is about adding extra mana absorbed from the outside to the original mana capacity. One auxiliary engine per circle.

So, what about Javier in the [Iron-Blooded Knight] novel? He completed the Asrahan Core Technique when he was already a Sword Master. Immediately, he made a whopping 4 circles. That alone had given him an overwhelming ability among all other Sword Masters.

And even after that, you became a Grand Master equipped with the penta circle. In the final fight, he then became the holder of the hexa circle.

In that state, the amount of mana Javier could muster at once surpassed far beyond dragon heart. It was described in the novel.

Now, I had witnessed the completion of the Asrahan Core Technique, the beginning of the legend, 5 years earlier than the original.

However, Lloyd shook his head. Now was not the time to be sentimental because of a penny. It was time to seize the benefit that came into my grasp.

With an attitude as if I was showing off, I asked Javier. So, its thanks to me?

Yes, Lloyd-nim.

Then, you have a reason to teach me now.

Pardon?

The Asrahan Core Technique.

.

Oh ho, look at this? You dont intend to only say thank you and then move on, right?

But Lloyd-nim.

Yes. Give me an excuse.

I think the basics of normal mana technique is more important.

Uh-huh. Then what?

Then, why dont you learn the basic technique first and learn my technique separately later?

Uh. No way.

Of course I dont want to. This was all the more so because the duel with Sir Neumann was in 15 days.

Put yourself in my shoes. No matter how hard I try to master the normal mana technique, can I use it in a duel in 15 days?

I dont think so.

Then? Are you saying I should just lose the duel?

.

Yes, I know what youre thinking of. Right now, you want me to be able to fight longer so that I wont get defeated trivially. Building a solid foundation for sure is beneficial. Youre right. However, I dont think thats the right way for me.

How come?

This duel is just that important.

It was the truth. Sir Neumann is a human being who betrayed the territory through the back door. If I failed to trample on and punish such a man, from then on, there would be a very long way to go when straightening the public order of this territory.

In other words, the improvement of this fiefs constitution, which had been grasping at straws to keep going, would be doomed from the very beginning.

Thats why Im definitely going to win. Im going to learn the Asrahan Core Technique as well.

But what if I refuse?

Oh-ho? Youre going to come out strong? Then I still have a way too.

Lloyd grinned and took out his lethal card.

If you wont teach me, then Ill stop the lullaby service.

..

What? Why? What? Why are you looking at me while looking like youd chewed on some shit? Am I being cheap?

A little bit.

Theres no such thing as freebies in this world. If you feel thats unfair, just teach me your technique.

.

Javiers face was filled with anguish. The corners of Lloyds mouth went up.

Youll never refuse. Why? Because you already tasted the sweetness of a good nights sleep.

In the last few days, Javier had been enjoying a better good night sleep than ever before. All thanks to me for reciting the contents of my majors subject from memory.

He wouldnt expect the service to be cut off in an instant. Im sure he had a pretty good time.

Thats how psychology originally works. If you have received it and then it got taken away, itll feel more bittersweet.

Everyones the same. Once you have a taste of convenience, you can hardly live without it.

Smartphones, once you try it, you wont be able to use old phones because its too stifling. Robotic vacuum cleaners, high height insoles, selfie apps, delivery apps, or an elevator. If you dont use it after using it once, itll feel incredibly frustrating, stuffy, and uncomfortable.

Thats exactly what happened to Javier right now. He had been suffering from insomnia for years. Then, thanks to me, he tasted the happiness and sweetness of a deep sleep. His body would no longer be able to go back to its former state.

As predicted, Javier nodded.

Phew. I understand.

Understand what?

Ill teach you the Asrahan Core Technique.

Good decision.

Lloyd clenched his fist tightly.

Thats what I bet you, right? All your swordsmanship will be mine.

Asrahan Core Technique.

Now, all I have to do is work hard.

Time flew by.

The training continued until now.

His basic stamina became more solid. He worked even harder on the Asrahan Core Technique. On the other hand, Lloyd also commissioned the blacksmith to make him a special weapon.

Use steel for the entire part. Make the design as drawn here.

Lloyd-nim? This is?

This is a weapon Im going to use, so I drew it myself. Why? Is it strange?

Thats not it. Only, how will you use this as a weapon.

Never mind that. Can you make it?

Pardon? Yep.

Then, please take good care of it.

The blacksmith was perplexed when he looked at the drawing Lloyd gave. Even if he kept looking at the drawing, this wasnt something you would use as a weapon.

However, he couldnt help it. Lloyd is the son of the lord and is known as the reckless ruffian. The blacksmith didnt dare to refuse the request of such a person.

More days passed just like that.

The morning of the duel had finally arrived.

Young Master Lloyd. The item you commissioned from the blacksmith has arrived.

The weapon he commissioned to be produced had been delivered to the mansion. Lloyd gently clenched his fists as he listened to the servants voice announcing the news.

Asrahan Core Technique. And his own weapon. All arrangements were already in place.

Sir Neumann. Youre through now.

Lloyds eyes gleamed violently.

Finally, the time to cut off the rotten sprouts had come.

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  (danhobak): is a Korean slang used to refer to someone who usually refuses instantly without considering it for a second.